City of Kirksville Mayor Zac Burden declared a state of emergency in the City because of the COVID-19 virus. The declaration is in line with state and federal recommendations.
As of Friday night, there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Adair County.
Burden issued the declaration during a Kirksville City Council special session Friday evening. According to a statement from Kirksville City Manager Mari Macomber, the proclamation was issued so Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, would authorize the City’s ability to limit public and social gatherings with exceptions.
The City Council also approved an ordinance establishing the authority of City employees and approving changes that allow for the expenditure of funds to serve Kirksville residents. This would include personal protective equipment for emergency service personnel, the modification of operations to minimize the spread of the virus and the revision of personnel policies to address new requirements established by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
This ordinance also allows the Kirksville finance director to temporarily waive penalties and fees, halt utility shutoffs for thirty days and accept payment in ways most suitable to minimize exposure to all.
According to the statement, Kirksville citizens are directed to comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and emergency management forces in executing emergency operational plans and obey the lawful directions of properly identified public offices.